National Park Service Director Jonathan Jarvis spoke at UC Merced.
Jarvis is attending an executive seminar aimed at bio diversity and how people can help preserve hiking trails at national parks.
He says the parks were front and center during the negotiations on Capitol Hill.
"It would have been a tragedy to have to close those parks and ask people to go home. Consequently it was a great thing that a budget resolution was reached. National parks will be open and ready for business and we're really looking for a strong summer season," Johnathan Jarvis said.
Yosemite is among the national parks that will stay open.
Park officials announced Saturday that visitors should proceed with their plans as scheduled.
